Hike challenging Mount Pico. Walk the UNESCO-recognized, centuries-old, stone-walled vineyards, then enjoy a glass of unique Pico wine. We cover these must-see attractions and more in this ultimate travel guide to Pico Island Azores. Explore the best things to do in Pico, on our detailed 3-day itinerary.
Table of Contents
3 Days on Pico Itinerary
How many days do you need on Pico Island? We recommend a minimum of two days to experience Pico’s highlights. Three days, or even more, is ideal to enjoy all the sights the island has to offer.
This is our recommended 3-Day itinerary.
- Day 1: Discover Pico’s Wine and Vineyard Culture
- Visit both the UNESCO Vineyard Culture Interpretation Centre and the Pico Wine Museum and learn about Pico’s unique wine culture.
- Walk through the vineyards of Criação Velha with their centuries-old, stone walls.
- Go wine tasting and savour the wines made from local Verdelho grapes.
- Day 2: A day of Adventure in Pico
Select one or more of these excellent outdoor activities.- Hike Mount Pico, the highest mountain in Portugal.
- Explore Gruta das Torres, a lava-tube cave with unique lava formations.
- Enjoy a whale watching tour, spotting resident and migratory whales and dolphins.
- Day 3: Drive around Pico Island
Discover the island’s charming villages, scenic landscapes and more.- Visit the charming Santa Maria Madalena Church.
- Admire the stunning natural rock formations of Arcos do Cachorro.
- Learn about the Pico’s whaling heritage at the Whaling Industry Museum (in São Roque) and the Whalers’ Museum (in Lajes do Pico).
- See the island’s beautiful red windmills, including the postcard perfect Moinho Do Frade.
- Go for a swim in one of the many Pico Island natural swimming pools.
Pico Island Map
13 Best Things To Do in Pico
- Visit the Vineyard Culture Landscape Interpretation Centre, a celebration of the island’s wine heritage.
- Discover the history of winemaking and taste famous Pico wines at the Pico Wine Museum.
- Walk along the old stone walls of the vineyards of Criação Velha.
- Climb Moinho Do Frade for stunning views of the surrounding, walled vineyards.
- Go wine tasting and savour the unique flavours of Pico’s wine.
- Hike 2300-metre-tall Mount Pico.
- Learn about the different types of lava formations at Gruta das Torres.
- Discover the hidden gem, Furna do Frei Matias, another lava-tube cave.
- Drive Pico’s scenic roads, enjoying the beautiful scenery from its many viewpoints.
- Visit Arcos do Cachorro, where nature has created beautiful, rock-formation, art along with breathtaking views.
- Visit the Whaling Industry Museum in a former oil, flour and vitamins factory to learn about the industrial processes of the whaling industry.
- Learn about the Pico’s whaling heritage at the Whalers’ Museum.
- Drive the scenic 9 Kilometre Highway, enjoying breathtaking views of Mount Pico.
Pico Wine and Vineyard Culture (UNESCO)
In 2004, UNESCO recognized Pico’s unique viticulture system as a World Heritage Site, “Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture”. This man-made grid of walls, with the first built as early as the 15th century, are called Criação Velha or ”old creation” and cover more than 2000 acres on the island’s west coast. They are understood to be the best remaining example of what was once a more widespread method of grape growing.
For vintners to take advantage of the island’s fertile, volcanic soil and mild climate, they needed to adapt to a seaside environment with frequent winds carrying damaging salt spray. Their solution was small, enclosed plots called “currais”, created by building dry, basalt-stone walls parallel and perpendicular to the shore in a very systematic way. The currais allow the grapevines to be exposed to the sun and protected from the wind. As an added bonus, the basalt warmed up in the sun providing extra warmth to the tiny area.
As these vineyards became more successful, manor houses, wine-cellars, distilleries, warehouses and ports in tiny hamlets sprang up around them. This culture has survived and thrives to this day. Visit during the wine harvest in September for festivals with song, dance, wine and home-style food.
Learn more about this area’s unique history of viticulture at the interpretive centre, located near the airport.
Vineyard Culture Landscape Interpretation Centre
This small museum provides a good introduction to the unique World Heritage Site. Spend about 20 minutes here.
The museum highlights both:
- The unique geological and climatic conditions that contribute to the island’s distinctive wines; and
- Traditional techniques and tools used in Pico Island’s vineyards.
These techniques include the building of stone walls using local basalt (lava) rocks to create the vineyard plots, or currais, found on the island.
The island has two main areas which are great examples of this technique of dividing the land into plots. The interpretation centre is in the area called Lajido de Santa Luzia. Further to the southwest is Lajido da Criação Velha. Locally the term “lajido” refers to lava fields.
For more information about wine making and wine production on Pico, visit the nearby Museu do Vinho in Madalena.
Pico Wine Museum
This museum is great for people interested in the art of making wine. It presents the story of wine production on the island, including discussing the different grape varieties, from its beginnings to the present.
There’s even wine tasting in the reception area.
After visiting the museum, walk through the grounds. The property was used by the Carmelite friars of Horta (Faial) as a summer residence, as early as the 17th century. They tended the vineyards and manufactured wine on site.
There are beautiful dragon trees, several at least 100 years old. Walk the boardwalk to the stunning red gazebo for a beautiful view of the basalt-walled vineyard and the sea. We spent around 30 minutes in the museum and the grounds.
Pico Wine Tasting
When on Pico Island, you must try the wine! Sample local Pico wines and learn more about the island’s wine culture at these 3 places.
- Wine Cellar Cooperative
This cooperative, known as Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico (CVIP), is a collective of winemakers dedicated to preserving the island’s unique winemaking traditions. Established in 1949, it plays a crucial role in promoting and marketing the renowned Pico wines, particularly the distinctive Verdelho grape variety. - Azores Wine Company
This winery, founded in 2001 produces high quality wines. Try wines produced from Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores, and Sercial grapes in their tasting room overlooking the vineyard. - Cella Bar
Located on the coast just outside Madalena, this renowned establishment is known for its traditional Azorean cuisine and wine. The bar boasts an extensive wine list including selections from the renowned Pico Wines cooperative in a stunning setting.
The Vineyards of Criacao Velha
The Lajido da Criação Velha region beautifully showcases the vineyards and their enclosed currais structures.
The Azores walking trail Criação Velha Vineyard Trail (PR05 PIC) is a great route through the vineyards and the surrounding volcanic landscape. The wines created from these vines are distinctive and flavorful, a reflection of the unique terroir and the hard work of the people who tend these vineyards.
The trail can be driven or walked. We drove, starting at Porto do Calhau (Port of Calhau) in Monte.
This area originally had several large estates. Each had wine production and warehousing facilities near the port and vast vineyards of basalt-walled currais. Two tidal wells provided fresh water for the people and the distillery operations. At the end of the 19th century, several small wineries appeared in the area. Today the small port is used by local fisherman.
The trail and road follows the coastline north passing seaside walls and vineyards to Pocinho Bay. The lovely, little, public park has a natural swimming area, picnic tables and toilets. The trail continues to follow the road as it bends inland and uphill.
Turn left at the first road and keep left at the next two intersections to travel around Cabeço do Pé do Monte. Enjoy the vineyards with their “boxes” created by stone walls built of local rocks piled by hand. These boxed vineyards create unique microclimates to protect the grapes from sea salt and wind.
When the road reaches the coast again, there is a natural swimming spot (Piscinas Naturais da Criação Velha) with a small bar selling food and drink. Continue along the coast’s black volcanic rock.
At the intersection of the main road and Canada do Monte, drivers continue straight to a parking area just west of the red windmill in the distance. Those on foot, walk the path until it meets another road and turn left.
Walk to the red Moinho do Frade visible in the distance. We drove to the windmill, but as there was no parking, you are best to leave the car and walk in.
Moinho Do Frade
Climb the ladder to the top of this beautiful, red windmill for panoramic views of the vineyards.
The Friar’s Mill was built in the 18th century to mill grain. Restored in the 2000s, it is one of the best examples of traditional windmills in the region.
From the windmill, continue north along the coast past many impressive rock formations. The trail ends at the small cove of Porto da Areia Larga. It was once an alternative port to Madalena but now is only used by local fisherman.
Hiking Mount Pico
At 2351 metres, Mount Pico is the tallest mountain in Portugal. The youngest volcano in the Azores, it is still considered active. The round crater at the top is about 700 metres around and only 30 metres deep with some fumeroles. Its last eruption was in 1720.
A climb to the Piquinho, or the top, is a challenging bucket-list hike for many visitors to the Azores.
How hard is it to climb Mount Pico?
The Mount Pico climb is difficult. You should be reasonably fit to attempt to climb Pico. The trail is above the tree-line and over and around sharp lava rocks.
From the trailhead to the top, the elevation change is 1150 metres and the total distance 3.8 kilometres. In other words, for every 3 metres travelled forward, you must climb almost 1 metre in elevation. Indeed, a very strenuous hike.
How long does it take to climb Mount Pico?
According to the official Mount Pico website, most hikers take 3 to 4 hours to climb up to the summit. They also take another 3 to 4 hours to return (descend) back down to the bottom.
Do I need a Guide? If you are an experienced hiker, you should have no problem, and a guide is not necessary. To help you stay on the trail, there are 47 trail markers directing you to the summit.
What is the best time of year to climb Mount Pico?
Mount Pico is technically open daily all year. The best time of year to climb is in the summer and shoulder months.
We do not recommend visiting Mount Pico during the winter months. Winter is the Azores rainy season and there is often snow at the summit. When there is snow on the trail, you will not be allowed to climb to the top without shoe crampons. Be sure to check weather conditions via the Mount Pico webcam and the Mount Pico weather forecast before going.
Our mistake was visiting in the month of November! When we arrived at the mountain it was raining quite hard. There was also snow on the summit, with a wind chill temperature of -5 °C. Not ideal conditions for a hike (and we had no crampons).
We opted for a shorter hike instead.
Mountain House – The Trail Start
Checking in at Mountain House (Casa da Montanha) is mandatory to start your climb.
There are restrictions regarding the number of people allowed on the mountain at any given time. Booking in advance is highly recommended. Visit the Mount Pico Reservation website for advanced booking.
Mountain House amenities include washrooms, lockers and a snack shop. A short film introducing Mount Pico and its ecosystems runs in a small theatre area.
Before leaving the building to begin your climb, you must sign a waiver and receive a GPS tracker. The tracker is in case of an emergency on the mountain where there is no cellular service. I asked how often they needed to rescue climbers. The attendant told us that within the last year, they had performed only 18 emergency rescues out of a total of 22,000 climbs.
A “Short” Mount Pico Hike
This was what we did! We wanted to experience the beauty of Mount Pico, but we knew we couldn’t go all the way to the summit with the weather conditions.
A great option is to hike only a portion of the trail. The “shorter” hike to the Furna Abrigo (located near Trail Marker #2) is the perfect introduction to the mountain. The ascent to the cave is only about 160 metres vertically (over a trail distance of 600 metres) up the mountain. We found the small cave an interesting place to explore and enjoyed a snack break in the sheltered area. The total time from the trailhead to the cave and back to the bottom (including time to explore) is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
We extended our hike a little further, hiking to Trail Marker #7 (approximately one-third of the way up the mountain). We decided to turn back due to pouring rain and time considerations. Safely back in the parking lot, our total hike time was 2 hours 30 minutes.
Gruta das Torres Cave
The Gruta das Torres, or Tower Cave is a lava tube, roughly 1500 years old. The first scientific exploration of the cave was in 1990 and it opened to the public in 2005.
We enjoyed the guided tour which explores a 450-metre section of the 5-kilometre cave, the longest lava tube known in Portugal. Our guide expertly pointed out the various geological formations.
The cave has unique stalactites and stalagmites made of solidified lava along with the calcium carbonate versions, typical in cave environments. The guide also noted formations called lava benches, lava balls and ropy lava flows.
The tour is about 1-hour long. Flashlights and hard hats are provided. The cave is wet so sandals are discouraged.
To visit another lava-tube cave, drive to nearby Furna do Frei Matias.
Furna do Frei Matias Cave
This cave is not on many tourist checklists. We were curious about a small sign on the road pointing toward a farmer’s field. The cave’s location was not obvious from the road.
At the top of a small hill, we found an opening into the cave. The opening was created when the roof of the lava tube collapsed. Lush vegetation fills the open area where we entered and climbed down to the bottom.
We walked into the dark tunnel of the lava tube for about 200 metres toward light. We popped out above ground at the end of the tunnel. Our exploration was a fun, tiny adventure.
Driving Around Pico Island
A drive around the island of Pico is definitely worthwhile, offering breathtaking scenery and stunning coastal views.
Car rentals are available at the airport and in Madalena. While a drive around the whole island can be done in just a few hours, we recommend slowing down and exploring all the island has to offer.
We’ve highlighted Pico’s main towns, Madalena, São Roque and Lajes do Pico, and the charming villages and worthwhile sights in between.
Madalena
The largest town on Pico Island, Madalena is surrounded by beautiful vineyards with opportunities for wine tasting [internal link] both in and around town.
With several great restaurant and accommodation options, Madalena is a great base for your stay on Pico Island.
Admittedly, there aren’t a lot of “touristy” activities in town. Be sure to check out the Igreja de Santa María Madalena (Santa Maria Madalena Church) located near the Madalena Ferry Terminal.
The church, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of fisherman and Madalena, is the island’s largest church. Built in the 17th century, its interior is decorated with intricate carvings, gilded woodwork and beautiful azulejo tiles.
Prior to the 17th century, Europeans were intrigued by blue and white Chinese porcelain but the ingredient to make it did not exist in Europe. By the 17th century, the Dutch figured it out and the Portuguese ordered Dutch tiles to decorate their buildings. Eventually the Portuguese manufactured their own tiles. These blue and white ceramic tiles, called azulejo, are a popular decoration in Portugal and its former colonies around the world.
If visiting in July, Madalena comes alive with the Festas da Madalena celebrating their patron Saint Mary Magdalene. There are concerts and lots of activities.
Driving northeast from Madalena to São Roque, several small villages are worthy stops.
The village of Cachorro is located between the airport and the island’s north coast.
Cachorro
Visit the Arcos do Cachorro, literally translated as the dog arches, right in the village. Some of the rock formations created by the lava and erosion by wave action resemble a dog’s head. (A particularly popular one is on the left as you are approaching the area. We missed it completely so be on the alert to see it.)
Walk the paved walkways, from the parking area, over some of the arches to the edge of the rocky coastline. Feel the power of the waves. Enjoy the view of the Atlantic and neighbouring Faial and São Jorge islands.
Continue east following the north coast to the tiny village of Lajido.
Lajido
The village has two museums. Visit the Landscape of the Pico Island Vineyard Culture Interpretation Centre, mentioned previously. It explains the early vineyard structures, tools and practices which led to the area becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If time allows, the Casa dos Vulcões (Volcanoes’ House) is an interesting place to learn about the volcanic history of the Azore Islands and volcanoes themselves. This is an interactive, guided tour. A 3D-model simulates a volcanic eruption allowing you to feel the earth’s power.
Continue east. Everywhere along this coast, lava from ancient volcanic eruptions has cooled into black, jagged, artistic rock formations.
Santa Luzia
The 17th/18th-century Ermida de São Mateus da Costa is just before the coastal road turns south back to the main road. The church is built from blocks of basalt, a number of which have been decorated with intricate carving. The J.F.S.Luzia Cabrito Picnic Park is across the road and there is lots of parking.
Enjoy a short walk admiring the black rock formations, a testament to Pico Island’s fiery past.
Back on the main road, the Igreja de Santa Luzia is beside another pretty park with a gazebo.
Continue east on the main road, ER1.
Santo Antonio
Stop for a browse and maybe a wine tasting at Adega “A Buraca” Wine Store and Museum. The museum showcases traditional tools and farming equipment.
Enjoy the pretty area around the Church of Santo Antonio overlooking the sea.
Continue east to the second largest town on Pico Island, officially called São Roque do Pico.
Sao Roque
The protected harbour of São Roque is a busy area. The São Roque Ferry Terminal is at the north end of the harbour. The ferry links the islands of São Jorge, Pico and Faial.
The town’s main attraction is on the other side of the harbour. The Whaling Industry Museum is in a former, whale-processing factory.
Continuing through town, stop at the Pico Tourist Office (Posto de Turismo Pico). A beautiful replica of a whale boat is on display inside.
The 18th-century Convent of São Pedro de Alcântara is about 150 metres north of the main road on Rua João Bento de Lima. To save the building from falling into ruin, it now operates as a hostel accommodation. The exterior is impressive. Entry to the interior is only for residents.
Just west of town, along the coastal road, visit the lovely, red windmill of Avenida do Mar. Leave the car in the parking area and enjoy a walk along the coastline.
Whaling Industry Museum
Pico Island has 2 quite different whaling museums. The Museu dos Baleeiros, in Lajes do Pico, explains the history of Pico whaling. In São Roque, the Museu da Indústria Baleeira (Whaling Industry Museum) provides a unique look at the processing side of the whaling industry in the Azores.
The museum is a former factory. It operated from 1946 to 1984, when whaling stopped in the Azores. See the boilers, furnaces, machinery and other equipment used to process the entire sperm whale (blubber, meat, bones and livers) into oil, flour, fertilizers and vitamins. There is a brief introduction to local whaling through a number of (sometimes grisly) photographs, several scale models of whaling vessels and the massive jaw bones of a sperm whale.
Outside the museum, the statue Homenagem aos Baleeiros (Tribute to the Whalers) reminds us of the tough, dangerous life of the whalers.
Depending on the length of your stay on Pico and your interests, there are two options at the traffic circle, on the west side of São Roque.
- Follow ER1 south and explore the eastern end of Pico, or
- Skip the eastern tip. Take the first exit out of the traffic circle, following Highway EN2, up over the central volcanic ridge on the east of Mount Pico from São Roque to Lajes do Pico on the south shore.
Eastern Pico Island
This optional drive from São Roque to the eastern tip of Pico and around to the town of Lajes do Pico follows the main ER1 highway. Without stops, the drive takes about an hour, but there are several worthwhile points of interest along the way.
At the traffic circle, on the west side of São Roque, follow ER1 south. Stop at Miradouro São Miguel Arcanjo, at the top of the hill, for a beautiful view of the shoreline and São Roque in the distance.
About 17 kilometres southeast, the Miradouro da Terra Alta viewpoint, over 400 metres above the ocean, offers a stellar view of São Jorge Island on the horizon.
Continue driving to Manhenha, the village on the eastern tip of Pico, about 7 minutes off the main highway. The Ponta da Iha Lighthouse sits on the tip of the island. Operational in 1946, it was very isolated. The road connecting the lighthouse to Manhenha wasn’t built until 1959. Its tower stands 19 metres high. The buildings surround the tower in a U-shape, an unusual arrangement for a lighthouse complex. The lighthouse is open to the public every Wednesday afternoon.
The town of Calheta de Nesquim was once a booming whaling community with the island’s first whale-processing factory. Visit the beautiful 19th-century Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião Mother Church. The PRC11 Calheta do Nesquim walking trail circles the town stopping at several scenic lookouts and a popular natural swimming area, Poça das Mujas.
Continue to the town of Lajes do Pico.
The 9 Kilometre Highway (EN3)
The highway EN2 from São Roque to Lajes do Pico is a curvy, paved highway through beautiful countryside. After about 10 kilometres, it intersects the EN3, known as the 9 Kilometre Highway. This picturesque highway is the best option to get to Mount Pico from either São Roque or Lajes do Pico.
It’s the straightest section of road in the Azores, and perhaps all of Portugal. We pulled over and took pictures of Mount Pico when there was a sudden break in the clouds. It was so beautiful!
Be sure to stop at Lagoa do Capitão (Capitão Lagoon), only about 2 kilometres west of Highway EN 2 on the 9-Kilometre Highway. It is shallow lake, a maximum of 4.5 metres deep, and an important source of fresh water. Migrating birds often stop at the lake. This area has a stunning view of Mount Pico. A volcanic ridge, roughly 30 kilometres long, runs from Capitão Lagoon to Ponta da Ilha on the east end of the island. About 190 tiny volcanic cones are found along it. The lake is the starting point for the PR13 Lagoa do Capitão walking trail to São Roque .
Back on EN2 continue south to, Lajes do Pico, the oldest town on the island.
Lajes do Pico
This is the birthplace of the island’s whaling tradition. Three boathouses, built in the 19th century for whale boats, create a great atmosphere for the Whalers’ Museum. The port is one of the main departure points for Pico’s whale watching tours.
If visiting during the last week of August, Lajes do Pico holds the Semana dos Baleeiros, a religious and music festival. It honours the patron saint of whalers, Our Lady of Lourdes, and the town’s whaling history.
Park the car in the abundant parking along the waterfront. Enjoy a walk through the compact downtown.
Begin at the south end of the waterfront with the pretty Lajes Mill (Moinho das Lajes). Walk east to the Ermida de São Pedro (São Pedro Chapel). This chapel was built by first people to arrive on the island in the mid-15th century.
Turn around and walk north into downtown Lajes. The big church in the middle of town, Igreja da Santíssima Trindade, fronts on a triangular square. It is named after a local man who climbed military ranks and worked to ensure his home town was properly recognized. See the small monument to General Francisco de Lacerda Machado.
Explore the downtown shops, taking any of the side streets to the left and back to the waterfront.
Just off the ER1 highway when leaving Lajes do Pico to the north, the Centre for Arts and Marine Sciences (Centro de Artes e de Ciências do Mar) is in another former whale-processing factory. The centre hosts artistic and cultural events promoting the study and appreciation of marine life and local culture. Multimedia exhibitions discuss the factory and the biology and ecology of whales.
Across the street is a reconstruction of the Fort of Santa Catarina (Forte de Santa Catarina), the island’s only example of military architecture. It was built in 1792 to protect against possible invasion by Napoleon’s armies (which never came.)
Whalers’ Museum
At the Museu dos Baleeiros, learn the history of whaling, one Pico and the Azore’s most important, historic activities. The artifacts on display include tools and equipment used in the hunt; carved and engraved art made from whale teeth and bone called scrimshaw and several full-size, whaling boats.
We were especially impressed by the scrimshaw art created on the large, whale jaw bones. The museum opened in 1988 in three boat houses built in the 19th century.
Continue driving west, toward Madalena, along Highway ER1.
Villages of Sao Joao, Sao Mateus, Monte and Criacao Velha
São João is located just west of Lajes do Pico. This small, quiet village was the perfect base for our 3-night stay on Pico Island. The area was nicknamed “land of windmills” as there were once 7 operating windmills. The eastern boundary of the village is marked by the Ponta Rasa Mill (Moinho da Ponta Rasa), one of two remaining windmills. At the western end of the village, the Sao Joao Forest Park (Parque Florestal e Recreio de São João Pequenino) has a children’s playground and picnic area in a treed area.
Just past the village of São Mateus, we stopped at Miradouro da Pontinha viewpoint for a quick photo of the rugged shoreline.
The village of Monte has two worthy stops. Check out the beautiful interior of the Capela do Espírito Santo do Monte and the windmill, the Moinho do Monte.
If you haven’t hiked or driven Criação Velha’s Vineyard Trail, we highly recommend it as a perfect way to return to Madalena. Start at Porto do Calhau and drive along the coast to the pretty Moinho Do Frade windmill, surrounded by vineyards.
Before finishing the drive to Madalena, stop at Maroiços do Pico, the ‘Pyramids of Pico’. Some scientists suggested that these large, pyramid-shaped, structures were over 1000 years old, pre-dating European arrival on Pico. However, locals say that these pyramids were likely created 250 to 300 years ago and over several generations. The cultivation of food was vital for islanders’ survival so the abundant rocks were cleared from any available land into piles. Over time, as the piles grew higher, they were shaped into these stable structures.
Pico Island Beaches and Natural Pool Areas
Although there are no traditional sandy beaches on Pico, the island does offer many bathing and natural swimming areas. The natural swimming areas are pools created by the rocks at the shore which are filled by seawater.
The best time to enjoy a swim on Pico Island is in the summer months from June to September.
These are the top 10 swimming areas on Pico, Azores:
| Name | Nearest Town | Description |
| Furnas de Santo António | Santo António | Some call this the best natural swimming area on Pico Island. |
| Piscina Santo Antonio | Santo António | For those that don’t want to jump in the ocean, the swimming pool is beside the natural pools. |
| Madalena Municipal Swimming Pool | Madalena | Large man-made outdoor pool with natural pools as well. |
| Piscinas naturais da Areia Funda | Madalena | Natural swimming area with concrete terrace near the harbour. |
| Piscina Naturais da São Roque | São Roque | Natural swimming area with concrete terrace. |
| Zona Balnear do Cachorro | Cachorro | Natural swimming area near the Arcos do Cachorro. Enjoy the lava rock formations. |
| Piscina Naturais da Lajes do Pico | Lajes do Pico | Natural swimming area with clear waters. Large concrete terrace. |
| Praia do Canto da Areia | Prainha | The only sandy beach (black sand) on the island. |
| Poça das Mujas | Calheta de Nesquim | Very popular natural swimming area. Perfect clear waters. |
| Piscinas naturais da Criação Velha | Criação Velha | Sheltered natural swimming area with a snack bar in the summer. Great place to enjoy the sunset. |
Click on our interactive map for all the swimming areas.
Whale Watching on Pico Island
For the best whale watching options, go to the town of Lajes do Pico.
April through the summer to October is considered the main “season”. Different species are in the waters of the Azores depending on the time of year. Humpback whales are common in the summer. Sperm whales, Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins are in Azorean waters year-round so there is always something to see.
The two, most popular, whale watching tours are conducted by:
- Futurismo Azores Adventures – This tour includes a marine biologist who expertly points out and discusses all of the marine wildlife around Pico Island.
- Aqua Açores – A great whale and dolphin watching tour that gets close to the marine wildlife on board their zodiac boat.
Pico Azores Restaurants
These are 10 of the most popular restaurants in Pico’s main towns.
| Restaurant Name | Town | Known For |
| Cella Bar | Madalena | Enjoy local Pico wines with your meal at this stunning oceanside location. |
| O Petisca | Madalena | Great Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. Try the octopus. |
| O Ancoradouro | Madalena | Renowned for its seafood dishes and ocean views. |
| O Cinco | Madalena | Huge variety of dishes. 100% Azorean. |
| Bar Clube Naval | São Roque | Great bar and food on the waterfront. |
| Restaurante “C Bistrô” | São Roque | Charming and quiet bistro. Great for lunch. |
| Snack-bar Aço | São Roque | Popular place for affordable and quick bites. |
| Fonte Tavern | Lajes do Pico | Known for its outside patio and delicious food. |
| Restaurante Ritinha | Lajes do Pico | Local seafood specialties in a welcoming atmosphere. |
| Pastelaria Aromas E Sabores | Lajes do Pico | A charming restaurant/bakery with delightful pastries |
Pico Island Hotels
Looking for accommodation on Pico Island?
Check out these great options.
- Miradouro da Papalva Guest House – We stayed here! This is a beautiful property in the town of São João. Enjoy their amazing breakfast!
- Baia da Barca – Superb apartments with panoramic sea views located in tiny bay on the ocean in Madalena.
Here are other great hotels on Pico Island Azores.
Know Before You Go – Visiting Pico Island Azores
What is Pico Island known for?
Pico is known for its history of wine making and the whaling industry. Walk the old stone-walled vineyards and sample great Pico wines. Two excellent museums on this small island are dedicated to explaining the history of the whaling industry, boat making and whale processing.
Many visitors also come to Pico Island for the challenge of climbing Mount Pico, the tallest mountain in Portugal.
Best time to visit Pico Island, Azores?
The best time to visit Pico (and any of the Azores islands) is from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant. Winters are fairly mild but, unfortunately, are quite rainy. For a winter visit, be sure to pack your raincoat.
We visited during shoulder season, in the month of November, and found the weather warm but windy during our stay. It rained at least once a day.
How to get to Pico Island, Azores
By Air:
Most people arrive on Pico by air. Direct flights from São Miguel Island (40 minutes), from Terceira Island (30 minutes) and from Lisbon (2 hours 45 mintues) are available on Azores Airlines. The Pico Airport is just outside the main town of Madalena.
By Ferry:
The best option for daily ferries is the Green Route ferry that operates between the islands of Pico, Faial and São Jorge. The sailing time between São Roque (Pico) and Velas (São Jorge) is 50 minutes. The sailing time between Madalena (Pico) and Horta (Faial) is 30 minutes.
See the Pico Island ferry times on the Atlânticoline website for full details.
How to get around Pico Island
Public buses on Pico Island are operated by Cristiano Limitada but schedules are limited. There are two bus routes: Madalena to São Roque and Madalena to Lajes do Pico. For more information, check the Pico Island public bus timetable.
Taxi services are also available on Pico Island.
Since bus and taxi options are somewhat limited on Pico, we believe having your own vehicle is a better option.
Where can I rent a car on Pico Island?
We recommend renting a car while visiting Pico Island. This gives you the freedom to discover the island’s many attractions. Car rentals are available at both the Pico Airport and in nearby Madalena.
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